Oriole Work Based Learning Academy
The Oriole Academy is like a school within a school for the non-traditional student seeking a high school diploma with emphasis for career preparation and training through employment and internship opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
*What school grades can qualify for the Oriole Academy?
Response: grades 9 -12.
*Who should consider attending the Oriole Academy?
Response: students who find it difficult to enroll in a daily, traditional class schedule due to medical conditions, family responsibilities, employment or other hardships. Students seeking "hands-on" training in work-based learning opportunities for career preparation.
*What is Work-based Learning?
Response: the purpose of work-based learning is to use real work as the primary source of learning. The educational experience is coordinated through the school district, with the assistance of an employer, under the supervision of a occupationally certificated teacher or coordinator employed by the school. These experiences may be paid or unpaid depending upon the placement requirements and skill level of the student.
*When/who decides the work-based learning placement for me?
Response: not all students will be placed into a work-based learning environment when they begin. It's a gradual process to ensure the placement is a good fit for you and a good fit for hte business. Where the student fits on the Michigan WBL Continuum Model determines when you will be placed in a WBL experience. There are four stages of work-based learning: Career Awareness, Career Exploration, Career Training and Career Preparation (in that order). Students begin with career excursions and field trips and proceed into a vocational course and later the WBL experience.
*How many classes are required?
Response: Each student is required to complete the Michigan Merit Curriculum courses including a Work-based Learning course per semester which accumulates to 20 credits in total. There are two semesters per school year. Each semester requires five classes.
*What happens if I am unable to complete all the courses in time for graduation?
Response: Summer school is an option. It is our goal to make sure you are on track for graduation depending on total number of credits you've earned.
*What technology is required?
Response: the student is provided with a device from the school to work with the online courses and receive other pieces of information required for communication between school and student.
*What deadlines or schedules must be followed?
Response: students report to the academy once a week for announcement, work-based learning training and academic support. Each session will begin at 11am and completed by 1:30pm. One day a week is designated as a make up day if you cannot attend on your normally scheduled day.
*What if one day a week is not enough for help?
Response: students may attend additional days of the week, as needed. The Math Lab and tutors are also available for academy students to access as needed.
*How do I get started?
Response: complete the application and submit or contact the high school office at (231)845-3880.